I Was Scared to Say I’m Queer and African, But I’m Learning to Show Up Anyway"

Pageant Girls Get Depressed Too | The Mental Health No One Talks About

Behind every crown, there’s a story, and it’s not always sparkles and sashays. In this deeply personal episode of Pageantry Redefined, I open up about something we don’t talk about enough: mental health in the world of beauty, pageantry, and performance. Because yes, even queens get depressed. 👑💔 Here’s what you’ll hear in this raw conversation: ➡️The pressure to be perfect, always smiling, always “on” ➡️Moments I felt invisible, isolated, or overwhelmed, even in the spotlight ➡️How mental health stigma shows up in African and queer spaces ➡️What helped me: therapy, community, rest, journaling, spiritual grounding A reminder: vulnerability is not weakness, it’s a superpower This one’s for the queens struggling silently. You’re not alone. Keep shining through the hard days, even your shadows are royal. 🎧 Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4im1kh27A8e6oEbyOoR1Re?si=eRMov-7gRSan-mHmJtYLtg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pageantry-redefined-by-deborah-mungai/id1662691896 🔗 Stay Connected: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah.mungai 📘 Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/deborahmungaitia/ 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@deborahmungai 💼 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/deborah-mungai-a388a2213 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@deborahmungai

Where I Get My Confidence From | RuPaul & Queer Creativity Journey

Ever wonder where my confidence and creativity really come from? It’s more than just a vibe, it’s a whole journey shaped by queer culture, ballroom, and the legendary RuPaul. In this episode, I share how discovering RuPaul at 15 during my own queer identity struggles gave me a safe space to express myself and embrace my uniqueness. What you’ll hear about: * Finding RuPaul during a tough time of self-discovery * How ballroom culture and drag created a sanctuary for my creativity * The power of glitz and glamour to validate feeling “weird” in school * Why drag is more than just performance, it’s a superpower you can live every day * How this journey built confidence that goes beyond the pageant stage Confidence isn’t born, it’s crafted, one fierce step at a time. Keep owning your space, queen. Catch you next time on Pageantry Redefined. Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4im1kh27A8e6oEbyOoR1Re?si=eRMov-7gRSan-mHmJtYLtg 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pageantry-redefined-by-deborah-mungai/id1662691896 👇 Follow me for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah.mungai Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/deborahmungaitia/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@deborahmungai LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/deborah-mungai-a388a2213 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@deborahmungai

What They Don’t Tell You About Winning a Pageant | The Real Side of the Crown

Everyone sees the crown, but no one talks about the burnout, the pressure, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes after winning. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the realities of life post-pageant win. From battling imposter syndrome to handling public expectations, this is the raw truth every queen needs to hear. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * The pressure to always be polished and “on” for the public * Feeling like you can’t show weakness even when you’re struggling * The gap between public expectations and your own mental and emotional state * Navigating criticism, judgment, and the spotlight on social media * Coping with imposter syndrome after achieving the crown * Why building a community and practicing self-care saved me ✨ Wear your crown your way and stay grounded, queens. This one’s for every pageant winner who feels the weight behind the sparkle. Listen now on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4im1kh27A8e6oEbyOoR1Re?si=eRMov-7gRSan-mHmJtYLtg 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pageantry-redefined-by-deborah-mungai/id1662691896 👇 Stay connected and follow my journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah.mungai Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/deborahmungaitia/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@deborahmungai LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/deborah-mungai-a388a2213 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@deborahmungai

I Was Scared to Say I’m Queer and African, But I’m Learning to Show Up Anyway"

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to choose: between culture and truth, tradition and identity, silence and self. I haven’t done a big “coming out.” I’m still finding my voice. But as a queer African woman, and now Miss Africa GB, I’m learning how to show up more honestly, even if it’s softly, even if it’s scary. In this raw reflection, I open up about: * Why queerness felt incompatible with my African identity * How pageantry helped me confront my fear of visibility * The power of quiet courage, and showing up before you're ready * What I’d say to any queer African girl still hiding in silence If you’re in the in-between, not out loud, but no longer hiding, this one’s for you. 👑 Because your queerness doesn’t make you less African. It makes you revolutionary.

6 Real Things I Did to Win Miss Africa GB (No Gatekeeping!)

Winning Miss Africa GB wasn’t luck, it was late nights, bold moves, and pure hustle. In this episode of Pageantry Redefined, I’m sharing 6 unfiltered things I actually did to secure the crown, no gatekeeping, no fluff. From wearing heels every day for a month to gym rehearsals at 2AM, chasing sponsors, and showing up on time every time, I get real about the discipline and mindset it took to walk into that finale knowing I earned it. Whether you're a future queen, a creative, or just curious about the work behind the win, this episode is your sign to show up for your dreams with intention. 🎧 Listen in, take notes, and remember: if you want to wear the crown, you've got to walk like it’s already yours. 👠